Snap strap seal



Oct. 20, 1953 E- A" CONAWAY SR 2,656,209

SNAP STRAP SEAL Filed DGO. 3l 1949 Patented Oct. 20, 1953 SNAP STRAP SEAL Ernest A. Conaway, Sr., Chicago, Ill., assignor to Ernest A. Conaway, Jr., Brooklyn, N. Y., Dorothea Conaway Jennings, Lake WalesFla., and Patricia Conaway Miller, OakPark, Ill.

Application December 31, 1949, Serial N o. 136,229V

Claims.

The invention relates generally to snap fasteners, and more particularly to a fastener adapted to permanently lock two members together, whereby separation of the members is prevented, other than by destruction of the fastener. The invention is particularly adapted for use with straps of paper, or other material, for use as baggage tags, freight seals, or the like, whereby the tag Vor seal cannot be removed except by destruction of the strap or fastener.

The invention has among its objects the production of such a fastener which is very simple in construction, requiring only two pieces orelements, which fastener may be readily and in' expensively manufactured, and is very efcient and durable in use.

Another object of the invention is the production of such a fastener which is tamper-proof,

requiring destruction of the device to eect separation of the elements, but which may be easily and quickly locked to provide a positive connec- 1 tion. Y

A further object of the invention is the production of such a fastener in which the members carrying the elements of the fastener may be closely positioned adjacent one another when the-fastener-is in locking relationship,v at the same time permitting one of the fasteners to pass through both of the members.

Many other objects and advantages of the construction herein shown and described will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein given.

To this end my invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement, and combination of parts herein shown and described, and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

`In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational View of a strap having a pair of co-operable fastening elements secured thereto adjacent respective ends of the strap;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal, sectional view through the co-operating elements of the fastener, with the-latter shown in separated position;

together, and provided with co-operable interlocking portions whereby the members are permanently secured together, the male member being generally tubular in shape and adapted to be inserted into the female member between spaced 1 walls of the latter, whereby the co-operable interlocking elements are positioned in the annular space between adjacent walls of the female member, so that the interlocking elements are effectively protected from tampering, etc., and cannot be separated without destruction of the fastener.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to Figs. 1 to 4, the numeral l indicates generally a female fastener member, and 2 a co-operable male fastener member, each of which is mounted on an elongated strap 3 of paper, or other suitable material, adjacent respective ends of the latter. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the female member I is provided with a tubular outer wall or shell 4 open at the end 5 and having an outwardly extending flange 4 adjacent the open end of the shell 4 from which a plurality of tongues or prongs 6 project, the tongues being adapted to be inserted through the strap 3 and crimped over, as indicated at 1, to securely connect the member l to the strap.

Integrally connected with the shell 4, as indicated at 8, at the end of the shell, opposite the open end 5, is a concentrically positioned tubular member or sleeve 9,1the inner end of which, in

the constructionillustrated in Figs. l to 5, is

closed, as indicated at l I. The shell 4 and sleeve 9 may be suitably formed from a single piece of material by stamping, drawing, or other operations. Cut from the side walls of the sleeve 9 are aplurality of locking fingers or tongues I2, the

' Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, with the ele- .I

ments in locked position;

Figfei is a transverse, sectional view through the locked elements taken approximately on the line 4--4 of Fig. 3;

latter, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated, being triangular in shape and spaced apart ninety degrees with respect to the axisl of the member, with the tongues extending generally toward the connecting portion 8 between the shell 4vand sleeve 9.

The male member 2 is likewise tubular in shape. open at both ends, and provided at one end with l an outwardly extending flange 2 having tongues s I *V5 or prongs I3, similar to the ron s Fig. 5 is a longitudinal, sectional view similar p g s Whlch are inserted through the adjacent end of the strap 3 and crimped over, as indicated at i4, thus secur` vided with a plurality of peripherally extending, elongated openings I6, the embodiment of the invention illustrated containing three such openings uniformly positioned with respect to the axis of the member to divide the latterv into an upper portionv I'I, and a lower portion I8 connected by the columns I9.

In locking the elements together, the male member 2 is inserted into the annular space 2| between the shell 4 and sleeve 9, the strap adjacent the member I being provided with an opening 22 of a size to permit passage ofthe member 2 therethrough, as illustrated in Eig. 3. AsV the member 2 is inserted in the member I, the upper free end 23 of the male member. will engage the tongues I2 and urge the free ends of the latter inwardly toward the axis of the device, the end edge 23 of the member 2, if desired, being ared outwardly slightly, as indicated atY 24, to facilitate such action. Insertion of the member 2 into the member I is continued until the free ends of the n ngers or tongues I2 are positioned below the upper edges 25 of the respective openings I6. The member I is constructed of, a suitable material having suiilcient inherent resiliency to cause the tongues I2 to spring outwardly into the openings I6, and substantially resume their original positions, whereby upon any withdrawal movement of the male member, the tongues will engage'the upper edges 25 of the openings I6 and prevent further withdrawal of the member 2 from the member I. It will be noted that the edges 25, in effect, form a ledge or abutment engageable with the prongs and co-operabletherewith to interlock` the two members together. As the member I, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated, is provided withA four tongues I2, andthe member 2 withthree openings I6, it will .be apparent from a reference tor Fig. 4 that at least three of the tongues will be interlocked with the member 2 at. all times, as it is possible to haveonly one of the tongues aligned with one of the columns I9. It will also be noted that, as the interlocking elements of the members I and 2f are positioned in the annular space 2| between the shell 4 and sleeve 9, such elements are eiectively protected against possible tampering therewith. However, if desired, the member 2 may readilysbe provided. with an internal peripheral bead 26, or the like, adapted to be positioned closely adjacent to the inner end of the -sleeve 9 when the-members I and 2` are interlocked, there- .by providing still further protection against. the insertion of a tool, or-other element, between the sleeve 9 and member 2 in an effortto disengage the, tongues I2 from the` male member. Obviously, it would be impossible to move`v the tongues I24 toward the axis of the fastener by means of a tool, or the like,4 inserted inV the sleeve9.

It will also be noted that when the members are interlocked, as illustrated in Eig.. 3, the. ends `of the strap 3v are positioned closely adjacent to yone another, with the. member 2 extending through .the openings I5: and 22 inthe respective ends of the strap, withl the ends- 'I and I4-of the prongs 6 and I3 positioned oppositeone-another between the adjacent ends of the strap. Thus thel fastening means of the'respective members to the strap ends function merely to retain the members on such ends prior to the interlocking thereof,V andonce the two members have been interlocked, the separation of the respective strap ends from the. members is prevented by such interlocking, as it would be necessary to tear the strap adjacent the holes I5 and 22 before the same can be separated.

The modication illustrated in Figs. 5 to 7 in general is similar to that heretofore described, with the exception that thelockingelements are reversed, thetongues being carried bythe male member, and the female member being provided with a suitable shoulder or ledge engageable with the. tongues for interlocking the members together.

Referring to Figs. 5 to 7, the numeral 3| indicates generally a. female fastener member corresponding to the member I, and 32 a co-operable male fastener member corresponding to the member 2. The female member 3| is provided with a tubular outer wall or shell 34 open at the end 35 and having an outwardly extending ange 34 adjacent the open end of the shell 34 from which a plurality of'tongues orgprongs36 project, the tongues being adapted to be inserted through the strap 33 and clamped over, as indicatedat 31, to securely4 connect the member 3| tothe stra-p.

Integrally connected with the shell 34, as indicated at 38, at the end of the shell oppositethe open end 35, is afconcentrically positionedtubular member or sleeve 39, thevinner end of which is closed, as indicated at 4|. The shell 34-and sleeve 39 may be suitably formed from a single piece of material by stamping, drawing, or other operations. The member 39: adjacent the closed end 4| thereof is outwardly offset to form aperipheral shoulder or ledge` 42.

The male member 32 is likewise tubular in shape, open at both endaand provided at. one end with an outwardly extending ange-32. having tongues or prongs 43, similar to the prongs 36, which are inserted throughthe adjacent end of the strap 33 and crimped over, as indicated at 44, thus securing the malefmember to thet strap, with the member32 extending through an opening 45 in the latter. Cut from the side wallsof the member 32 are a plurality of locking ngers or tongues 46,. the embodimentof the invention illustrated containing foursuch tonguesuniformly positioned with respectl to the axis of the member, the tongues being triangularv in shape andvextending inwardly toward the end` of the member 32 adjacent'the-strap 33.

In locking the elements together, the,Y male member 32- isinserted. intoA the annular. space between theshell 34land sleeve 39, the'strap adjacent the member 3| being' provided-with an opening. 48V of a size.V to permit passage ofthe member 2 therethrough, as illustrated'in` Fig.` 6. As` the member 32 is inserted in the member 3|. the tongues 46- will engage vthe lower end; ofthe sleeve 39 adjacentthe shoulder 42,and thereby urge thefree ends of the-tongues'outwardly away from the axis-of the device, thel end portion 4| of the member 2 being more or less conical in shape to facilitate such movement ofthe tongues 46. Insertion of the member 32 into the member 3| is continued-until-the free endsofthe tongues 46- are positionedA abovev the ledge 42 on the sleeve 39. The member 3| is also. constructed of asuitable material having. sufcientinherent resiliency to cause the tongues 46.to spring inf wardlyfand substantiallyv resume their original positions and overlie. the. ledge 42, whereby upon any withdrawal movement ofthe male member, the tongues will engage the ledge 42 and vprevent further withdrawal of. the member 32. from the member 3|. It will bev noted, as in the previous form, that as the .interlockingelements of the members .3| and 32are positioned in the annular space 41 between the shell 34 and sleeve'39, such elements are effectively protected against possible tampering therewith. Obviously, it would be impossible to move the tongues 46 toward the axis of the fastener by means of a tool, or the like, attempted to be inserted between the member 32 and sleeve 39.

It will also be noted that, as in the first form, when the members are interlocked, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the ends of the strap 33 are positioned closely adjacent to one another, with the member 32 extending through the openings 45 and 48 in the respective ends of the strap, with the ends 31 and 44 of the prongs 36 and 43 positioned opposite one another between the adjacent ends of the strap.

In the construction illustrated in Fig. 8, the numeral 5l indicates generally a female fastener member, and 52 a cooperable male fastener member, each of which is mounted on the respective ends of a strap 53. The female member 5l is provided with a tubular outer wall or shell 54 open at the end 55 and having an outwardly extending flange 54 adjacent the open end of the shell 54 from which a plurality of tongues or prongs 56 project, the tongues being adapted to be inserted through the strap 53 and crimped over, as indicated at 51, to securely connect the member 5l to the strap.

Integrally connected with the shell 54, as indicated at 58, at the end of the latter, opposite the open end 55, is a concentrically positioned tubular member or sleeve 59. The shell 50.- and sleeve 59 may be suitably formed from a single piece of material by stamping, drawing, or other operations. Extending upwardly and radially outwardly from the side walls of the sleeve 59, at the inner end E I, is a serrated flange, indicated generally by the numeral 62, and, in effect, providing a plurality of locking fingers or tongues 53, with the tongues extending generally toward the connecting portion 58 between the shell 54 and sleeve 59.

`The male member 52 is likewise tubular in shape, open at both ends, and provided at one end with an outwardly extending fiange 52 having tongues or prongs 64 similar to the prongs 35, which are inserted through the adjacent end of the strap 53 and crimped over, as indicated at 55, thus securing the male member to the strap, with the member 52 extending through an opening 56 in the latter, and the free end of the member is provided with an inwardly extending. peripheral fiange or shoulder 61.

In locking the elements together, the male member 52 is inserted into the annular space 58 between the shell 54 and sleeve 59, the strap adjacent the member 5i being providedwith an opening 69 of a size to permit passage of the member 52 therethrough, as illustrated. As the member l52 is inserted in the member 5I, the upper flanged end 61 of the male member will engage the tongues 63 and urge the free ends of the latter inwardly toward the axis of the device, the end edge of the member 52, if desired, being rounded slightly to facilitate such movement of the tongues 53. Insertion of the member 52 into the member 5I is continued until the flange 61 is positioned above the tongues 63. The member I is constructed of a suitable material having sufficient inherent resiliency to cause the tongues 53 to spring outwardly below the flange S1 and substantially resume their original positions, whereby upon any withdrawal movement of the male member, the tongues will eng-age the 6 inner face of the ange 61 and prevent further withdrawal of the member 52 from the member 5 l. It will be noted that the flange 61 likewise, in effect, forms a ledge or abutment engageable with the prongs and co-operable therewith to interlock the-two members together. It will also be noted, as in the previous forms, that as the interlocking elements of the members 5i and 52 4are positioned in the annular space 68 between the shell 54 and sleeve 53, such elements are effectively protected against possible tampering therewith. However, to afford additional protection, the member 2 may be provided with an internal peripheral bead il, or the like, adapted. to be positioned closely adjacent to the inner end of the sleeve 59 when the members 5l and 52 are interlocked, thereby completely preventing the insertion of a tool, or other element, between the sleeve 59 and member 52 in an effort to disengage the tongues 53 from the male member.

It will further be noted that, as in the previous forms, when the members are interlocked, as illustrated in Fig. 8, the ends of the strap 53 are positioned-closely adjacent to one another, with the member 52 extending through the openings 66 and 59 in the respective ends of the strap, with the ends 51 and 55 of the prongs 56 and 64 positioned opposite one another between the adjacent ends of the strap.

It will be apparent from the above description that, in all of the forms described, when the members areV interlocked, the tubular male member is positioned in an annularly-shaped recess formed in the female member, with the interlocking elements on the two members being positioned in such recess, so that such interlocking elements are effectively shielded and protected from possible tampering in an effort to disengage the respective members. Likewise, in all forms of the invention illustrated, only two separate pieces are employed, which may be relatively inexpensively manufactured to produce a very efficient permanent type of fastener.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various immaterial modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of my invention; hence, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement, and combination of parts herein shown and described or uses mentioned.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A seal for a strap member comprising a female member and an open ended cylindrical male member, each of said male and female members formed with an outwardly extending annular flange including prongs formed at the outer periphery of the annular fiange and for affixing to the strap member, the female member having a tubular shell having an open end', an internal sleeve positioned in and integrally connected to said shell adjacent the opposite end thereof to form an annular space between said shell and'sleeve, said space being closed adjacent said last-mentioned end, and opening on the open end of said shell, said male member having a tubular-shaped body of a size to enter the open end of said female member, with the inner end of said male member adapted to be positioned in said annular space, said body having a plurality of peripherally extending openings therein adjacent the inner end thereof, a plurality lof resilient, spaced projections carried by said sleeve extending outwardly into said recess toward the closed end ofthe latter; said projections being. adapted to; spring into the openings; in said body' upon insertion of the latter into said recess, thereby interlocking said members;` together, and said male and. femaleY members are constructed and arranged and so, proportioned that as the ends of: the strap member upon which the male and female members are adapted to be affixed are foldedzover in interlocked relationship and` interlock'ed, the, faces of; the opposite ends of the Strap: are in substantial abutting relationship, wherebyV in the nterlocked position, the prongs ofthe; annular flanges. are prevented from being tampered with.

2L- A strap seal comprising a female member and an open ended cylindrical male member, the female member having a tubular shell, one end ofi which open and terminates in an external, annular ilange. a plurality of prongs extending fram.k the outerperiphery of saidy flange providing means for attaching said shell to a strap, and an internal sleeve positionedin said female member adjacent the opposite end. thereof and secured to the latter to form an annular space between said, member and sleeve, said space being closed adjacent said last-mentioned end and opening on the. open end of said shell, said male member having; a tubular-shaped body of a size adapted to enter the open endof said female member, with the. inner endl of said male member adapted te be `positioned in said annular space, the outer end of said body terminating in an external, annular flange, a, plurality of prongs extending from the outer periphery of said annular flange providing means for attaching said body to a strap, said, body having a plurality of resilient, spaced projections extending inwardly and towardlthe outer endthereof,v saidsleeve having an annu-lar shoulder adjacent its inner end extending outwardly intosaid recess, said projections being adapted tov spring into overlying; relation with respect to said shoulder upon insertion of said body into said recess, thereby interlocking said members together,V andv said male4 andfemale members areconstructed and arranged and so proportioned that as the ends of the strap member upon which the male and female` members are adapted to be affixed are folded over in interloclred relationship andinterlocked, the faces of the opposite ends of the strap are in substantial abutting relationship.

3. A seal comprising a female member and an open ended cylindrical male member and astrap member,J each of said male and female members formed with an outwardly extending annular flange including prongs formed at the" outer pe,- riphery of the annular flange and for aiixing to the strap member, the malev and femalemem bers located on opposite sides of the, strap member and extending in opposite directions: when unlocked,rthe female member having a tubular shell, one endof Which is open, and an internal sleeve positioned. in said female member adjacent the oppositeV end thereof and: secured to the. shell. to ferm an annular,r space between said. shell and sleeve-said space being closed adjacent said last;- mentioned endv and opening on the open, end of said shell, said male memberhav-ing. av tubularshaped' body of. a. sizer adapted to enter the` open end of said female member,v with the inner; end of4 said male; memberadapted to be positioned in said annular space, said inner end terminating man internal, peripheral flange, the inner end of said sleeve terminating in an externaL, peripheral flange. extending, into said recess. and

engageable with: the flange on said body upon insertion of the latter'into.- said recess for interlocking said members together, said male and female members are constructed. and arranged and so proportioned that as the ends ofthe strap member upon which. the male and female members are adapted to be afxed are folded over in interlcclred relationship and. interlocked, the facesA ofthe opposite ends of the strap are in substantial abutting relationship, and with the male member extending through the strap into the female member Wheninterlocked whereby in the interlecked. position, the prongs of the annular franges-are prevented from being tampered with,

4.. As anA article lof manufacture an open ended cylindrical male member for a strap seal and a female member formed with an annular` recess, said open ended cylindrical male member including a tubular-shaped body of a size adapted to enter the annular recess of said female member, with the inner end of said` open ended cylindrical male: member adapted to be positioned in said annular recess, the outer end of said body terminating in an external, annular flange, a plurality of prongs extending from the outer periphery of said annular flange providing means for attaching the tubular-shaped body to a strap member, and means carried byy said tubular body adapted to engage means on said female-member', whereby upon insertion of the male member within the recessof the female member said male and female members are constructed and arranged and so proportioned that as the endsof thelstrap member.P to which the male and. female members are adapted to be aixed are folded over in interlockedi relationship, the saidmembers are adapted to be interlocked together with the faces of the opposite ends of the strap member in substantial abutting relationship.

5. As an article of manufacturea femalemember for a strap seal and an open ended cylindrical male memberhaving latchingmeans, said female member including an outer portion.. and a reentrant inner portiondening an annular-shaped recess therebetween, the outer portion thereof terminatingv in an external, annular flange, a plurality of prongs extendingI fromthe outer periphery of said annular flange providing means for-attaching the female member to a strap member, and means carried by the inner portion of said female member extendinginto the: recessand complemental to the latching means of said male member, whereby upon aiiixing4 thefemale member to the male member said male and female members are constructed and arranged and so proportioned that asthe-ends .of the strap. member. to which the male. and female members are adaptedtobe afllxed` are folded over in interlocked2 relationship, the said members are adapted te be interlocked together with the faces of the opposite ends ofy the strap member in substantial abutting relationship.

6-. A seal adapted tobeanxed to a strap member and comprisinga femaleY member and an open ended cylindrical m-ale member;v said female member having an annular-shaped recess therein open at oneendf and formed with an annular outwardly extending flange, said open ended cylindrical male member having a portion of a size to enter andi be. positioneduinsaid annular recess and formedwith anoutwardlyf extending annular flange, .cooperating means on; adjacent portions of said malefmember'and'v said female member for interlocking theA same together, saidmale and femalemembers being complementally formed and so proportioned that as the ends of the strap member to which the male and female members are adapted to be affixed are folded over in interlocked relationship and are interlocked, the faces of the opposite ends of the strap are in substantial abutting relationship, and said outwardly extending annular flanges formed on each of the male and female members including prongs formed at the outer periphery thereof and adapted to be affixed to the strap, whereby in the interlocked position, the prongs of the annular flanges are prevented from being tampered with.

7. A strap seal comprising a strap member, a female member and an open ended cylindrical male member extending in opposite directions from the strap member, said female member having an annular-shaped recess therein open at one end and formed with an annular outwardly extending flange, said open ended cylindrical male member having a tubular-shaped portion of a size to enter and be positioned in said annular recess, said strap member formed with an opening complemental to the recess, a plurality of projections carried by one of said members engageable with a shoulder on the other member for interlocking the two members together, both said projections and said shoulder being positioned in said annular recess when the members are in interlocked positions, said male and female members being complementally formed and so proportioned that as the ends of the strap member upon which the male and female members are formed arefolded over in interlocked relationship and interlocked, the faces of the opposite ends of the strap are in substantial abutting relationship, and said tubular portion of the male member adapted to extend through the opening in said strap member.

8. A seal for a strap member comprising a female member and an open ended cylindrical male member, each of said male and female members formed with an outwardly extending annular flange including prongs formed at the outer periphery of the annular ange and for aflixing to the strap member, said female member having an outer portion and an inner portion defining an annular-shaped recess therebetween open at one end and closed at the opposite end and adapted to extend above one face of the strap member, said male member having a tubularshaped portion of a size to enter and be positoned in said annular recess and adapted to extend above the other face of the strap member, an inwardly extending flange on the inner end of the tubular portion of said male member, and a plurality of projections on the inner end of the inner portion of said female member and extending into said recess, said inwardly extending flange being adapted to engage said projections upon insertion of the male member into said recess for interlocking said members ltogether, said male' and female members being complementally formed and so proportioned that as the ends of the strap member upon which the male and female members are adapted to be affixed are folded over in interlocked relationship and interlocked, the faces of the opposite ends of the strap are in substantial abutting relationship, and with the male member extending through the strap into the female member when interlocked, whereby in the interlocked DOStion, the prongs of the annular flanges are prevented from being tampered with.

9. A seal for a strap member comprising a female member and an open ended cylindrical male member, each of said male and female members formed with an outwardly extending annular flange including prongs formed at the outer periphery of the annular flange and for afflxing to the strap member, said female member having an outer portion and an inner portion defining an annular-shaped recess therebetween open at one end and closed at the opposite end and adapted to extend above one face of the strap member, said male member having a tubularshaped portion of a size to enter and be positioned in said annular recess and 'adapted to extend above the other face of the strap member, a plurality of projections on the tubular portion of said male member, and a shoulder on the inner portion of said female member, said projections being adapted to engage said shoulder upon insertion of the male member into said recess for interlocking the members together, said male and female members being complementally formed and so proportioned that as the ends of the strap member upon which the male and female members are adapted to be axed are folded over in interlocked relationship and interlocked, the faces of the opposite ends of the strap are in substantial abutting relationship, and with the male member extending through the strap into the female member when interlocked.

10. A seal for a strap member comprising a female member and an open ended cylindrical male member, each of said male and female members formed with an outwardly extending annular flange including prongs formed at the outer periphery of the annular flange and for aflixing to the strap member, said female member having an outer portion and an inner portion defining an annular-shaped recess therebetween open at one end and closed at the opposite end and adapted to extend above one face of the strap member, said male member having a tubular-shaped portion of a size to enter and be positioned in said annular recess and adapted to extend above the other face of the strap member, a shoulder on the tubular portion of said male member, and a plurality of projections on the inner portion of said female member, said shoulder being adapted to engage said projections upon insertion of the male member into said recess for interlocking said members together, said male and female members being complementally formed and so proportioned that as the ends of the strap member upon which the male and female members are adapted to be aixed are folded over in interlocked relationship and interlocked, the faces of the opposite ends of the strap are in substantial abutting relationship, and with the male member extending through the strap into the female member when interlocked, whereby in the interlocked position, the prongs of the annular flanges are prevented from being tampered with.

ERNEST A. CONAWAY, SR.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,582,444 Bart Apr. 27, 1926 1,605,638 Baruch Nov. 2, 1926 1,727,754 Dessauer Sept. 10, 1929 2,283,125 Powell May 15, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 396,933 Germany Dec. 1, 1924 

